Name: Southwest Turkey Burgers: A Family Favorite
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Southwest
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained; 1/4 cup corn, frozen or canned; 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, diced; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 hamburger buns; 1 avocado, sliced; Lettuce; Tomato slices

Jump to Recipe

Okay, friend, let’s dive into one of my family’s all-time favorite burger recipes: Southwest Turkey Burgers! Trust me, these are anything but boring.

I remember the first time I made these. It was a desperate attempt to get my family to eat something a little healthier without sacrificing flavor. Ground beef burgers were a weekly staple, but I was looking for ways to incorporate more lean protein. I’d tried plain turkey burgers before, and, well, let’s just say they were met with a chorus of “meh” sounds. So, I decided to get creative and bring in those bold Southwest flavors we all love.

The “aha” moment came when I realized that adding a can of drained black beans not only boosted the fiber and protein but also helped keep the burgers incredibly moist. Before, they were always dry! Combine that with some corn, diced bell peppers, and a zesty blend of spices, and BOOM! Flavor explosion!

My kids always ask for these now, and honestly, I’m just as happy to make them. They’re quick, easy, and packed with goodness. On busy weeknights, I can whip up a batch of these burgers in under 30 minutes, which is a total lifesaver. This recipe has become a staple in our home, and I’m excited to share all the tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years.

I’ve tweaked and perfected this recipe over the years, and I’m so excited to share it with you. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to boring turkey burgers again! I’m confident that you and your family will enjoy these as much as we do.

What You’ll Need

Okay, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Southwest Turkey Burgers:

Ingredients for Southwest Turkey Burgers

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1.25 lbs Ground Turkey: I usually buy the 93% lean ground turkey. It has a good balance of flavor and leanness. You could go leaner, but I find these come out drier.
1 (15-ounce) can Black Beans, rinsed and drained: This is a must! Black beans add moisture and a great texture. Don’t skip rinsing them; it helps remove excess sodium.

1/2 cup Corn Kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned): I often use frozen corn because I always have a bag on hand. If you’re using canned, make sure to drain it well. Fresh off the cob in summer? Even better!
1/2 cup Diced Red Bell Pepper: The red pepper adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color. You can substitute with orange or yellow bell pepper if that’s what you have. I wouldn’t use green – it’s too bitter.
1/4 cup Diced Onion: I use yellow onion, but white onion works just as well. If you’re sensitive to raw onion, you can sauté it lightly before adding it to the mixture.

2 cloves Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is always best, in my opinion, but you can use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if you’re in a pinch.
1 large Egg: This helps bind everything together. You can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) as a substitute if needed.
1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh, vibrant flavor. If you’re not a cilantro fan (I know some people aren’t!), you can substitute with parsley.

2 tablespoons Southwest Seasoning: I usually make my own blend (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper), but you can use a store-bought blend to save time. Just make sure it’s not too salty.
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Adds a delicious smoky flavor. If you don’t have any on hand, you can use regular paprika but the smoked version really makes a difference!
Salt and Pepper to taste

Burger Buns: Your favorite kind! I love brioche buns, but any sturdy bun will do.
Toppings of your choice: Avocado, salsa, lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream, the sky’s the limit!

Shopping Tip: I like to buy my spices in bulk from the local co-op; it saves money in the long run. And remember, if you can’t find Southwest seasoning, you can easily make your own blend. Just mix equal parts chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Kitchen Wisdom: Here’s a trick my mom taught me: to prevent the burgers from sticking to the grill or pan, lightly oil the cooking surface before you start. Works like a charm every time!

Let’s Cook This Together!

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make these mouthwatering Southwest Turkey Burgers:

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Prep the Black Beans: In a large bowl, lightly mash about half of the rinsed and drained black beans with a fork. This helps bind the burgers together and adds a great texture. Don’t over-mash them; you want some whole beans in there too!
Combine Ingredients: Add the ground turkey, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, chopped cilantro, Southwest seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the mashed black beans.
Mix Gently: Using your hands (I find this is the easiest way), gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers tough.

Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty about 3/4-inch thick. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly shaped; a little rustic charm is always welcome!
Chill (Optional): For best results, cover the patties and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and prevents them from falling apart during cooking. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but I highly recommend it if you can.
Cook the Burgers: Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium heat. Lightly oil the cooking surface. Place the patties on the grill or in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). I learned the hard way to use a meat thermometer for this; it ensures they’re safe to eat and not overcooked. Reference the USDA Turkey Handling Guidelines for more information.

Toast the Buns (Optional): While the burgers are cooking, you can toast the burger buns if you like. I love to brush them with a little melted butter or olive oil and toast them on the grill or in the skillet for a minute or two per side.
Assemble and Serve: Once the burgers are cooked through, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Place each patty on a toasted bun and top with your favorite toppings.

Personal Cooking Tip: I like to add a slice of pepper jack cheese during the last minute of cooking so it gets all melty and delicious.

Timing from my experience: In my kitchen, these usually take about 20 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook.

While that’s cooking, I like to chop up all the toppings for my burger bar!

How I Love to Serve This

Okay, now for the fun part: serving these amazing Southwest Turkey Burgers!

My family enjoys these burgers in so many ways. The kids love it when I set up a burger bar with all their favorite toppings: lettuce, tomato, cheese, avocado, salsa, sour cream, you name it! It makes dinner feel like a party. My husband is a big fan of adding a dollop of guacamole and a sprinkle of crumbled tortilla chips for extra crunch.

My go-to side dishes for these burgers are usually some kind of potato dish, such as sweet potato fries or grilled corn on the cob. They complement the Southwest flavors perfectly. A simple salad with a lime vinaigrette is also a great option. If I’m feeling ambitious, I’ll whip up a batch of my famous cilantro-lime rice which you can pair with my Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet recipe! Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet. Love one-pan meals? Explore more one-pot recipes.

These burgers are perfect for summer barbecues, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, or just a casual weeknight dinner. I’ve even made them for potlucks, and they’re always a hit!

I learned that a little presentation goes a long way. I like to arrange the burgers on a platter with all the toppings in separate bowls. It makes everything look so much more appealing!

If you have extras (which is rare in my house!), you can crumble the cooked burger meat and use it in tacos, salads, or even a Southwest-inspired chili.

Seasonal Variations: In the fall, I like to add a little bit of roasted butternut squash to the burger mixture for a touch of sweetness. In the summer, I’ll top the burgers with grilled pineapple for a tropical twist.

My friends always ask for the recipe when I make these burgers for them. They’re so surprised that turkey burgers can taste so good! These flavors can blend well with other Southwest meals. Check out some tasty Southwest Flavors for inspiration!

Questions I Get Asked All the Time

Okay, let’s tackle some of the questions I get asked most often about these Southwest Turkey Burgers:

“My turkey burgers always turn out dry. What am I doing wrong?” Oh, I’m so glad you asked! This is a common problem with turkey burgers. The key is to not overcook them. Ground turkey is very lean, so it can dry out easily. Make sure you’re not cooking them for too long and that you’re using a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) but don’t go over. Also, adding the mashed black beans helps keep them moist. Trust me, it makes a huge difference!

“Can I make these burgers ahead of time?” Absolutely! You can prepare the burger patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.
“I don’t have Southwest seasoning. What can I substitute?” No problem! You can easily make your own blend by mixing equal parts chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
“Can I grill these burgers?” Yes, you can! In fact, grilling them adds a delicious smoky flavor. Just make sure to preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent the burgers from sticking.

“My burgers keep falling apart when I cook them. What can I do?” This usually happens when the mixture is too wet or not bound together properly. Make sure you’re not adding too much liquid and that you’re using an egg to help bind the ingredients. Chilling the patties before cooking them also helps them firm up.
“Can I freeze these burgers?” Yes, you can! Prepare the burger patties, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
“My kids don’t like spicy food. Can I make these burgers milder?” Of course! You can reduce or eliminate the cayenne pepper in the Southwest seasoning blend. You can also use a milder chili powder. I’ve even added a little bit of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture to make them more kid-friendly.

“What toppings do you recommend?” So many options! For a classic Southwest vibe, I love avocado, salsa, a dollop of sour cream, and some shredded lettuce. But honestly, anything goes! Get creative and use your favorite toppings.

My Final Thoughts

These Southwest Turkey Burgers are more than just a recipe to me; they’re a symbol of my commitment to creating healthy and delicious meals that my whole family will enjoy. It’s also proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring! It’s a dish that brings us together around the table, sharing laughs and making memories. And that, my friend, is what cooking is all about.

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My Pro Tips:

Don’t overmix the burger mixture: Overmixing can result in tough burgers. Mix the ingredients just until they’re combined.
Chill the patties before cooking: This helps them firm up and prevents them from falling apart.

Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure that the burgers are cooked through but not overcooked.

Variations:

Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño pepper to the burger mixture for an extra kick. My husband LOVES this version!

Cheesy: Mix in some shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a gooey, cheesy burger. The kids devour these!
Veggie-loaded: Add some shredded zucchini or carrots to the burger mixture for extra nutrients. My mom taught me this trick, and it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.

I’d love to hear how you make these burgers your own! Do you have any favorite toppings or variations? Let me know in the comments below.

I hope you enjoy making these Southwest Turkey Burgers as much as my family does. Happy cooking, my friend! You’ve got this!

Southwest Turkey Burgers: A Family Favorite

Print Recipe

These Southwest Turkey Burgers are packed with flavor and topped with creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomatoes. These burgers are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal!

Author: Kiera

Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 15
Total Time: 30

Yield: 4 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling

Cuisine: Southwest

Ingredients

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1 pound ground turkey
1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup corn, frozen or canned
1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, diced

1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste
4 hamburger buns
1 avocado, sliced

Lettuce
Tomato slices

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Mix until well combined.
Form the mixture into 4 patties.
Grill or pan-fry the burgers over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.